HGV Training in Andover
Professional HGV & LGV training near Andover, Hampshire. DVSA-approved Cat C, C+E, C1, D1 & CPC courses with award-winning instructors at Dunsfold...
HGV Training in Andover, Hampshire
Looking for professional HGV training near Andover? GS Driver Training is a 7-time award-winning, DVSA-recognised training school based at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Cranleigh, Surrey — just 55 minutes from Andover via the A303 and A34. We welcome students from across Andover, Hampshire, and the surrounding area, offering expert instruction on modern automatic DAF trucks with both male and female instructors available.
Andover is home to one of Amazon's largest UK fulfilment centres, making it one of the most active HGV recruitment markets in Hampshire. The A303 and A34 corridors passing through Andover connect major distribution hubs across the South and Midlands, and demand for qualified Class 1 and Class 2 drivers in the area is exceptionally strong.
Ready to start? Call 01252 447808 or email Sales@gsdrivertraining.com
Why Choose GS Driver Training for HGV Training Near Andover?
- 7 consecutive award wins — named Best HGV Training Company seven years running, the only school in the South East with this record.
- On-site DVSA assessments — Module 3a reversing and CPC Module 4 conducted at our Dunsfold Aerodrome facility, saving you time and travel.
- Modern automatic DAF trucks — learn on the same vehicles used by major employers, without the distraction of manual gearchanges.
- Male and female instructors — choose the instructor you feel most comfortable with for a relaxed, productive training experience.
- All-inclusive transparent pricing — from £847 inc VAT with all DVSA test fees included. No hidden costs.
- Finance from £30/month — flexible payment plans to spread the cost of your training.
- High first-time pass rates — our structured approach and experienced instructors give you the best possible chance of passing first time.
HGV Courses Available Near Andover
We offer a full range of DVSA-approved HGV and vocational driver training courses for candidates from Andover and Hampshire:
- Category C — Class 2 HGV — Drive rigid lorries over 3.5 tonnes. The most popular starting point for a professional driving career.
- Category C+E — Class 1 HGV (Articulated) — The highest HGV qualification, covering articulated lorries and drawbar combinations.
- Fast Track C+E — Car to Artic — Go directly from a car licence to a full Class 1 (Cat C+E) in as little as 3–4 weeks.
- Category C1 — 7.5 Tonne — Drive vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. Popular with NHS staff, ambulance drivers, and light commercial operators.
- Driver CPC — Initial qualification (Modules 1–4) and periodic CPC (35-hour refresher). Module 4 conducted on-site at Dunsfold.
- PCV / D1 Minibus — Passenger-carrying vehicle training for minibus and bus drivers.
HGV Job Market in Andover and Hampshire
The Andover area has strong demand for qualified HGV drivers, with major employers including Amazon (Andover Fulfilment Centre — one of the largest in the UK), Lidl, Tesco, Hovis, and a range of national logistics operators serving the A303 and M3 corridors. Typical HGV driver salaries in Hampshire reflect this demand:
- Category C (Class 2) drivers: £33,000 – £42,000 per year
- Category C+E (Class 1) drivers: £40,000 – £52,000 per year
- Night shift and tramping premiums: typically add £4,000 – £8,000 to base salary
Many of our graduates from the Andover area secure employment within weeks of qualifying, with several going directly into roles at local distribution centres or national logistics companies.
Funding Your HGV Training Near Andover
There are several routes to funding available to Andover candidates:
- Skills Bootcamp in HGV Driving — Government-funded training that can cover up to 70% of your course cost (100% for unemployed candidates). Contact us to check current availability in Hampshire.
- Employer sponsorship — Many logistics companies in the Andover area will fund your training in exchange for a period of employment. Ask us about our employer partnerships.
- GS Driver Training finance — Flexible monthly payment plans from £30/month, subject to approval.
- Recruitment agency funding — Some specialist HGV recruitment agencies offer to fund your training in exchange for placement with their client employers.
How to Get to Our Training Centre from Andover
Our main training centre is located at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8TB. Free on-site parking is available for all students.
By Car
is home to one of Amazon's largest UK fulfilment centres, making it one of the most active HGV recruitment markets in Hampshire. The A303 and A34 corridors passing through Andover connect major distribution hubs across the South and Midlands, and demand for qualified Class 1 and Class 2 drivers in the area is exceptionally strong. Use postcode GU6 8TB for sat-nav. The journey typically takes approximately 55 minutes depending on traffic.
By Public Transport
Take a train to Guildford, then a taxi to Dunsfold Aerodrome (approximately 20–25 minutes from Guildford station). We recommend booking a return taxi in advance for early morning starts.
Your Local DVSA HGV Test Centre — Basingstoke
For HGV training candidates from Andover, your practical driving test will be conducted at the DVSA test centre in Basingstoke, located at Basingstoke DVSA Test Centre, Worting Road, Basingstoke, RG22 6PQ. The Basingstoke centre currently reports a first-time pass rate of approximately 58%, with a typical waiting time of around 11 weeks for a test slot.
Our instructors have extensive knowledge of the Basingstoke test routes. Your practical training at Dunsfold Aerodrome is designed to mirror the exact conditions and standards you will face on test day.
Nearby Areas We Also Serve
In addition to Andover, we regularly welcome HGV training candidates from across Hampshire and the surrounding area:
- Basingstoke (15 miles)
- Winchester (15 miles)
- Eastleigh (22 miles)
- Fleet (22 miles)
- Farnborough (25 miles)
Frequently Asked Questions — HGV Training Andover
Q: How much does HGV training cost near Andover?
A: Our HGV training courses start from £847 inc VAT for a Category C+E top-up course. A full Category C (Class 2) course from scratch starts from £1,691 inc VAT, and a full Category C+E (Class 1) course also starts from £1,691 inc VAT. All prices include DVSA test fees. Finance is available from £30/month.
Q: How long does HGV training take from Andover?
A: A Category C (Class 2) course typically involves 5–10 days of practical training. A Category C+E (Class 1) top-up takes 5–7 days. Our Fast Track C+E programme can take you from a car licence to a full Class 1 in as little as 3–4 weeks. DVSA test waiting times at Basingstoke are currently around 11 weeks.
Q: Do I need any experience to start HGV training near Andover?
A: No prior HGV experience is required. You need a full UK Category B (car) driving licence and must be at least 18 years old. You will also need to pass an HGV medical (D4 form) and obtain a provisional HGV licence from the DVLA before starting practical training.
Q: Is there a Skills Bootcamp available for HGV training in Hampshire?
A: Yes, government-funded Skills Bootcamp places are periodically available in Hampshire and can cover up to 70% of your course cost (100% for unemployed candidates). Contact us on 01252 447808 to check current availability.
Q: Can I go straight to Class 1 from a car licence?
A: Yes. Our Fast Track C+E programme allows you to go directly from a Category B (car) licence to a full Class 1 (Cat C+E) articulated lorry licence without needing to hold a Class 2 first.
Q: Are there good HGV job prospects near Andover?
A: Yes — Andover has strong HGV job prospects with employers including Amazon (Andover Fulfilment Centre — one of the largest in the UK), Lidl, Tesco, Hovis, and a range of national logistics operators serving the A303 and M3 corridors. Class 1 drivers in the area typically earn £40,000 – £52,000 per year, with Class 2 drivers earning £33,000 – £42,000. Many of our graduates from Andover secure employment within weeks of passing their test.
Nearby Areas We Also Serve
GS Driver Training serves the whole of the South East. If you are based near Andover, we also offer HGV training to candidates from these neighbouring areas: